Business owners polled in Nationwide's annual survey reveal a positive economic outlook and anticipated sales growth have them reconsidering their retirement benefits. In fact, 50% of business owners who offer a 401(k) plan intend to increase retirement plan contributions with 55% of them citing rising sales or revenue as the reason.

Meanwhile, 36% of business owners who currently don't offer a plan but intend to offer one in the near future say it's because they expect sales revenue to increase in the next 12 to 24 months and will start offering retirement benefits as a result. Additionally, nearly a third (30%) of business owners plan to introduce retirement benefits as a result of continued economic improvement. These findings stem from Nationwide's third annual survey of more than 1,000 business owners across the country with up to 299 employees.

"With tight labor markets as a result of the continued economic expansion, it's more important than ever for employers to offer benefits like retirement plans that can differentiate their business as a destination for top talent and a workplace where employees want to stay and grow," said John Carter, president of retirement plans at Nationwide.

When it comes to planning for the future, millennials often get a reputation for not doing enough. But among business owners who currently offer retirement benefits, 85% of millennials plan to increase contributions to their employees' 401(k) plans, compared to 31% of boomers and 49% of Gen X business owners. Additionally, 70% of millennials plan to make retirement benefits available for their employees in the future.

Millennial business owners also are more likely to feel they should provide retirement benefits, with 70% of them stating agreement versus 47% for all business owners.

Business owners at every age noted the importance of offering a retirement plan and the urgency of doing so. Only 39% of business owners believe their employees are on track to retire, and nearly three out of four (72%) business owners surveyed think the U.S. is facing a retirement readiness crisis. With more Americans preparing to leave the workforce as an increasing number of baby boomers reach retirement, more than half of business owners feel a retirement plan is an essential benefit.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) also is driving greater interest in retirement plan benefits. Nationwide's survey of business owners found that 32% say they increased retirement plan contributions because they felt the retirement benefits they offered were even more important now for attracting and retaining talent.